Renewable Block Copolymer TPE from Tetrahydrofuran

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) rely on petroleum-based materials, leading to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with limited renewable alternatives that match the performance of fossil-origin TPEs, particularly in terms of mechanical and thermal properties.

Innovation Solution

Development of a block copolymer using tetrahydrofuran-derived polyether blocks from renewable sources, combined with polyamide or polyester blocks, to create a thermoplastic elastomer with a high bio-carbon content, achieving performance equivalent to fossil-origin TPEs while reducing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If petroleum-based materials are used to manufacture thermoplastic elastomers, then mechanical and thermal properties are achieved, but environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissionsVSAvoidmechanical and thermal properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the origin parameter of raw materials from petroleum-based to renewable biomass-based sources. This substitution maintains the chemical structure and performance characteristics of the elastomers while fundamentally altering the environmental impact profile, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental harm and performance reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite block copolymer structures combining rigid blocks (from renewable sources like castor oil-derived monomers) and flexible blocks (polyethers or polyesters). This composite approach ensures that mechanical and thermal properties are maintained or improved while using sustainable raw materials, thus addressing both environmental concerns and performance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If renewable raw materials are used to synthesize thermoplastic elastomers, then environmental impact is reduced, but mechanical and thermal properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidmechanical and thermal properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functions to different blocks within the copolymer structure. Rigid blocks derived from renewable materials provide structural integrity and thermal stability, while flexible blocks (polyether or polyester segments) provide elastomeric properties. This localized functional distribution ensures overall performance reliability despite using renewable materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomer is segmented into distinct rigid and flexible blocks at the molecular level. This segmentation allows each block to contribute its specific properties - the rigid renewable-based blocks provide strength and thermal resistance, while the flexible blocks provide elasticity and processability, collectively achieving reliable performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional petroleum-based synthesis processes are used, then production efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption and environmental pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful petroleum-based synthesis pathway into a beneficial renewable-based process. The biomass-derived monomers undergo polymerization reactions that are inherently less energy-intensive than petroleum refining, transforming an environmental liability into a sustainable advantage while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting TPEs exhibit mechanical and thermal properties comparable to fossil-origin TPEs, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, utilizing renewable resources and simpler, less energy-intensive production processes.

Implementation Method 1

block copolymer comprising at least one polyether block derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Data Source

PatentEP3196226A1Block copolymer obtained from renewable materials and method for manufacturing such a block copolymer

Publication Date: 2017.07.26 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer.